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Mathematics

Do you want to be a math teacher, an actuary, or a cryptographer? Excited about solving puzzles and want to learn more? Perhaps God is calling you to engage his world through the study of mathematics. Many industries require strong math skills, ranging from computer science to financial analytics. If you like to crunch numbers, find patterns, and analyze data, major in mathematics at Dordt.

As a mathematics major, you will take classes in algebra, geometry, analysis, and discrete mathematics. You will have opportunities to participate in research and learn how math plays a role in health care, weather forecasting, space exploration, Internet security, and other areas.

The Dordt mathematics major will teach you to appreciate how math is built into so many areas of creation; you’ll learn to see how mathematical theories show the unity and interconnectedness of creation.

Program Options

General Mathematics: The general mathematics major at Dordt will prepare you for a wealth of possible career outcomes by training you to think logically, critically, and abstractly. The program begins with introductory calculus, though appropriate credit is given for anyone who has successfully taken AP calculus in high school. Students will also take special topics courses taught by experts in the field, as well as have the opportunity to take and design courses in an area of mathematics of their choosing.

Mathematics courses focus primarily on analytical and quantitative ideas, techniques, and applications, helping you develop competency in a variety of areas so you can use your mathematical gifts in service to others. Students will be challenged to consider mathematics' all-pervasive role in our world and explore its connections with dominant worldviews in order to help you develop a Christian philosophy of mathematics.

Mathematics and Computer Science: Dordt also has a unique major option which combines both mathematics and computer science courses as a joint major. This is an ideal option for students who have a passion for both mathematics and computing. The joint mathematics/computer science major helps students enhance their programming skills with a deeper understanding of mathematics. Similarly, students' mathematical explorations are enhanced by the ability harness to computing technology to solve problems.

You can also combine your interest in mathematics and another field via a double major in business, computer sicence, engineering, physics, actuarial science, or other options.

Secondary Mathematics Education

Secondary mathematics education majors combine the content of mathematics courses with the pedagogy and knowledge gained in education courses. The major licenses students to teach mathematics in grades 5 to 12. In their first semester in the education program, students participate in a weekly practicum in a grade 5-12 classroom. Additional classroom experiences culminate in the student-teaching internship as seniors.

Combine your major with an endorsement for coaching or middle school. The coaching endorsement licenses students to coach while the middle school endorsement certifies students in at least one additional area beyond mathematics including science, social studies, or language arts for grades 5 through 8.

Gain experience with mathematics education through the student employment program. As teacher aids, students lead review sessions, help prepare for classes, and grade papers which gives additional experience along with spending money. Dordt also offers innovative program options that include licensure in mathematics education and another STEM field including physics or engineering.

Secondary Mathematics and Engineering Education: This unique program combines classes in mathematics, engineering, and education. Students graduate with licensure to teach both mathematics and engineering in grades 5 through 12. The expansion of STEM courses to include engineering classes in schools make this a great choice for students who want to broaden their preparation to teach.

Secondary Mathematics and Physics Education: A mathematics and physics education degree is a great preparation which results in an endorsement to teach both mathematics and physics in grades 5 through 12. Many schools struggle to find a licensed teacher to offer physics courses. This broad program prepares students to step into both the mathematics and physics classrooms ready to make an impact on STEM education.

Opportunities

Participate in active research alongside members of the faculty and present your work locally, regionally, and nationally. Our mathematics community is nurtured through numerous ways:

Ladies' lunch: Female faculty and students from the department join women from computer science monthly for a ladies' lunch. The cost of the lunch is funded through grants and the department in an effort to promote women in our STEM fields. The goal of the lunches is to connect female majors and minors to other women in the area for the purpose of supporting, encouraging, and networking.

Social events: We enjoy spending time together; sometimes this occurs by major, such as the Actuarial Science Club, Math Club, or math gatherings. Other times we have events for math, statistics, and actuarial science together. Activities have included movies, nacho night, pizza parties, and Christmas gatherings.

Math Teachers Circle: Students interested in math education can join other practicing educators from the area once a month for dinner and math. These evenings are a time to collaborate with others on interesting topics in mathematics.

Conference attendance: Students have opportunities to attend conferences with professors with some assisting in joint presentations. Conferences are encouraged and even required for students in math education courses to provide students experience with professional development opportunities similar to what they will have as practicing teachers.

Middle school and high school students can participate in sessions coordinated by our faculty for Dordt Discovery Days. Previous sessions have included board games, cryptography, card tricks, Fermi problems, and an Amazing Math Race.

Math competitions: Each fall, Dordt students participate in the Putnam Exam. The Dordt College Math Challenge is a great opportunity for high school students to learn more about our programs while also participating in a mathematics competition with great prizes. For middle school students, Dordt hosts Math Bees for 7th and 8th grade students each spring.